Chalazion Surgery

If you examine the internal structure of the eyes, you will notice that, on the back of the eyelids, there are tiny organs called meibomian glands, which help in the production of oily fluid that is an integral part of tears. These glands have ducts or pipes that drain this oily fluid. Chalazion occurs when these pipes are blocked leading to the accumulation of oily secretion in the gland, which gradually increases in size.

The name chalazion is derived from the Greek word, meaning hailstone, and the lump under the eyelid is popularly known as chalazion. Medically, it is known as meibomian cyst and it can develop either on the surface of both or one of the eyelids.

The lump grows over a period of few weeks and is generally not considered to cause any problems. It has been found to affect adults more than children, and is commonly found to occur in both sexes. When this meibomian cyst gets infected, it becomes red and swollen.

It is a simple surgical procedure that helps in the removal of the cyst. It is a simple, one day operation and the patient can return home by the end of the day. During the operation, the doctor first administers local anesthesia by giving an injection into the eyelid.

Anesthetic creams are also preferred for patients, who feel uncomfortable with injections. The cyst is removed when the doctor lifts the back surface of eyelid and makes a small cut of about 3mm on the top of the cystic lump. The cyst is then removed and some pressure is applied, so that there is no blood flow after the operation.

Generally, stitches are not needed in this surgery, as the cut is small and is at the back of the eyelid. To detect the threat of a cancerous cyst, the removed lump is sent for tests.

Apart from minor discomfort, there are no side effects that have been reported till date. Hence, you can go for this surgery without any worries about its after effects. The healing time can be nearly 10 days or at the most 2 weeks.

 The aftercare involves the following steps:

• Take prescribed medications on time to relieve the immediate post-surgery discomfort.
• Taking shower is allowed, however, water contact with eyes should be strictly avoided for at least 10 days.

• Avoid make up on eyelids for a period of 1 month. Moreover, avoid make up even on the face, just as a precautionary measure.
• When you are discharged from the hospital (after one day), you'll be given eye drops, which have to be used regularly as per the doctor's advice.
• Any stitches in the eyelid (in some cases) are removed 7-10 days after the surgery.

At home, you need to be extra careful, in order to avoid any harm to the eyes. Some tips to take care of the operation eye(s) is/are as follows

• The eyes will be protected by some padding and they can be removed after five to six hours of the operation.
• Driving is allowed with glasses that you will be given after the operation.

• Working in very bright light must be avoided, however, you can resume working in normal light after one or two days.

Though it is not associated with major risks, there are some things that can affect the patient's eyes like, swelling, minor bleeding, that can occur after the operation. In some cases, eye infection can be a cause of concern, though it can be treated with the help of eye drops. Very rarely, the cyst becomes extremely red and bumpy, causing severe discomfort to the eye.

Chalazion is mostly developed due to poor care of the eyes leading to infections. Proper cleaning of the eyes can help in preventing the development of eyelid cysts. Washing eyes after coming from the outdoors, with slightly cold water, is a good habit to avoid infections.

People who are more prone to chalazion, must understand that they've to take proper care of their eyes, so that the frequency of cystic lumps on the eyelids is lowered.

In children, the operation time is around 20 to 30 minutes and if, a child experiences discomfort, like tiredness even after a day of the surgery, medication can solve the problem. Its cost largely depends on the type of clinic you choose, however, generally it can range from USD 30 to 50. Anybody having chalazion must discuss the operational procedure with the doctor, in order to be assured of all the risks associated with its removal.